High profile fashion shows used to be about critiquing new collections alongside members of the country's fashion elite.

But now, the fashion scene has transformed into a world of social media updates, selfies, celebrity guest lists and elaborate events complete with freebies and champagne.

Former Vogue Australia Editor in Chief, Kirstie Clements, recently opened up about her own experience at the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival and how the fashion world has drastically changed over the past three decades.

The fashion scene has transformed into a world of social media updates, selfies, celebrity guest lists and elaborate events complete with freebies and champagne

Former Vogue Australia Editor in Chief, Kirstie Clements, recently opened up about her own experience at the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (pictured)

Ms Clements said that while fashion critics can 'tell you what a collection means', lots of customers these days simply 'don't really care' (pictured is model Virginia Slaghekke)

The first major change? Consumers are now prioritised over 'elitist fashion journalists'.

'In the past there were lavish shows for trade only, and there were festivals for the general public, but all this is merging and evolving, both here and internationally,' Ms Clements wrote for the New Daily.

Ms Clements said that while fashion critics can 'tell you what a collection means', lots of customers these days simply 'don't really care'.

The author also noted that press releases in modern times announce celebrities and bloggers who are attending the event, rather than information about the collections themselves

Instead, she continued, the fashion events are all about 'taking selfies' and the runway fashion is 'largely incidental'.

I watched all the patient boyfriends taking photos of their dates doing duck face.

'The celebrities are not on the catwalk. The celebrity is the girl who got dressed in her new favourite outfit, took a selfie in the bathroom, and then took the train in, who has queued up to get a free lipstick sample and is clinking a glass of bubbly with her best friend,' Ms Clements wrote.

The author also noted that press releases in modern times announce celebrities and bloggers who are attending the event, rather than information about the collections themselves.

The celebrity is the girl who has queued up to get a free lipstick sample and is clinking a glass of bubbly with her best friend,' Ms Clements (pictured) wrote

Both Sarah Ellen and Rebecca Harding made an appearance on the media wall at various VAMFF shows

Ms Clements also noted the endless photo taking that took place both during and after the shows - but not of the runway itself

Ms Clements also noted the endless photo taking that took place both during and after the shows - but not of the runway itself.

'As I walked past the seemingly endless media wall after the show, I watched all the patient boyfriends taking photos of their dates doing duck face, or that Instagram classic, eyes downcast and looking into the middle distance pose, the one that says, "I'm attractive and I'm peering into the void",' she said.

And while these attendees may not have an interest in the fashion world long term, Ms Clements has previously shared advice for those who do truly hope to make it in the competitive industry.

Freebies and make up events are also popular at fashion events (pictured is the L'Oreal Paris free make up booth at VAMFF 2016)

'In the past there were lavish shows for trade only, and there were festivals for the general public, but all this is merging and evolving, both here and internationally,' Ms Clements wrote

'I think the people that ultimately stay for a long time are about the work, rather than the status,' she told the Geelong Advertiser in 2015.

'People who keep learning and value relationships. You have to adapt and change, but integrity, loyalty and respect are vital.